This week's films: February 13th

Laugh therapy is some of the best kind of medicine, and I must say, I came out of The Lego Batman Movie happier than when I went in. The borrowed concept of this film is a hodgepodge of the old series, the original Batman film by Burton and a slew of other Batman and DC Comics’ cine-fare. In one of the action sequences, some non-related comic timing is brilliantly placed, but then things start to get too formulaic for a film of this caliber. Though, to be fair, it always stays ridiculously funny, if at times a bit silly. The creators are really taking the piss, and it is so easy to spot that. In essence, director Chris McKay is merely rehashing what was done with the first Lego film, but supplanting the Batman theme and an abundance of pop culture jokes and references. Actors like Will Arnett, Zach Galifianakis, Rosario Dawson, even Ralph Fiennes and Mariah sneak into the film, joining the joke that everyone seems to be in on. The plot is meaningless if you’ve seen any Batman clip, episode or film featuring The Joker, but you’ll be hard-pressed to not feel some joy as you leave your seat. ###-1/2

Does anyone else besides me remember the Basic Instinct sequel that was released about a decade ago? Short on story, full of fluff, lots of sex and an ageing big screen star still looking hot. Most critics panned the sequel years ago and many will certainly do so now with this new erotic thriller sequel, Fifty Shades Darker. In the new film based off E.L. James’ famous book series, the saga of Anastasia and Christian continues. Again, the fodder is loud and sometimes fun to watch, but the only essence of the film lies with Dakota Johnson’s character. She still brings that translucent innocence to the silver screen that is usually annoying, but nonetheless, endearing for her role. Jamie Dornan is going through the motions, although some of his motions certainly put a rise in your Levi’s… Consider yourselves warned. ##-½

The scariest aspect of Rings is that is was given approval and a budget in the first place. Hollywood has officially gone nuts. Not only is this film a despicable ploy at reviving a long-dead genre and sub-genre, but the acting, lack of conclusive plot and non-existent frights make this a crapfest. Please ignore its presence at your local cineplex. #

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Lucas Cavazos

As a teen and young adult, Lucas split his life between Brooklyn and South/Central Texas. Through the myriad of changes and adjustments as he got older, a quiet escape could always be found in the tranquil solitude of a cinema seat…granted, this was some years before the bedbug outbreak that infested many cinemas in NYC not too long ago.